Saab Equips MQ-9B Drone with AEW Sensors to Enhance Airborne Surveillance Capabilities
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In a context of rapidly evolving aerial surveillance doctrines and the growing prominence of autonomous systems, Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have announced a strategic cooperation to develop an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) solution based on an unmanned platform. This partnership relies on General Atomics’ MQ-9B, a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone capable of both autonomous and remotely piloted operations.Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The project involves integrating Saab’s AEW sensors onto the MQ-9B, thereby creating a new airborne surveillance capability capable of continuous monitoring over designated areas. (Picture source: General Atomics)
Designed for extended missions at an operational altitude of 7,500 meters, the MQ-9B is powered by a 950-horsepower turboprop engine, reaches a cruising speed of 482 km/h, and has a range of 600 km. Its proven robustness across multiple armed forces makes it a suitable platform for the integration of next-generation radar sensors.
The project involves integrating Saab’s AEW sensors onto the MQ-9B, thereby creating a new airborne surveillance capability capable of continuous monitoring over designated areas. The MQ-9B is already equipped with the AN/APY-8 Lynx II synthetic aperture radar and the AN/DAS-1 MTS-B multispectral targeting system, enabling it to detect, track, and designate ground targets automatically, even in complex environments. In its AEW configuration, these sensors will be optimized for long-range aerial detection, delivering real-time tracking and early warning capabilities. The drone’s significant internal payload capacity, up to 800 kg, and its wide range of data link options also offer considerable modularity for integrating Saab’s systems.
This solution is intended to complement Saab’s existing portfolio, which includes manned AEW&C aircraft such as the GlobalEye. With its modular and unmanned design, the system can be operated independently or in conjunction with manned platforms, aligning with the increasing trend toward manned-unmanned teaming in modern air forces. The MQ-9B, operated from a ground control station (GCS) capable of managing multiple drones simultaneously, is designed to maintain radar coverage while reducing personnel exposure in contested environments.
According to Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s Surveillance business unit, this collaboration enables the transfer of proven detection and tracking capabilities to a drone platform already deployed by several military users. The joint effort aims to create a system positioned between traditional ISR drones and manned AEW aircraft, offering operational advantages such as cost efficiency, extended endurance, and the ability to operate from constrained environments, including naval platforms.
This initiative is part of a broader diversification of AEW formats, particularly relevant in a strategic environment that demands flexible and responsive radar coverage. The solution could provide armed forces with a wider range of tactical options, including naval deployment and aerial saturation without direct personnel exposure. Saab brings decades of experience in delivering AEW systems to NATO and other trusted partners, while adapting its offerings to meet emerging requirements.
The collaboration between Saab and General Atomics paves the way for a new unmanned AEW solution that combines Saab’s radar technologies with the endurance, modularity, and operational reliability of the MQ-9 B. Designed to function independently or alongside manned systems, this capability could reshape the framework of aerial surveillance missions in the years ahead.
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In a context of rapidly evolving aerial surveillance doctrines and the growing prominence of autonomous systems, Saab and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems have announced a strategic cooperation to develop an Airborne Early Warning (AEW) solution based on an unmanned platform. This partnership relies on General Atomics’ MQ-9B, a Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) drone capable of both autonomous and remotely piloted operations.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
The project involves integrating Saab’s AEW sensors onto the MQ-9B, thereby creating a new airborne surveillance capability capable of continuous monitoring over designated areas. (Picture source: General Atomics)
Designed for extended missions at an operational altitude of 7,500 meters, the MQ-9B is powered by a 950-horsepower turboprop engine, reaches a cruising speed of 482 km/h, and has a range of 600 km. Its proven robustness across multiple armed forces makes it a suitable platform for the integration of next-generation radar sensors.
The project involves integrating Saab’s AEW sensors onto the MQ-9B, thereby creating a new airborne surveillance capability capable of continuous monitoring over designated areas. The MQ-9B is already equipped with the AN/APY-8 Lynx II synthetic aperture radar and the AN/DAS-1 MTS-B multispectral targeting system, enabling it to detect, track, and designate ground targets automatically, even in complex environments. In its AEW configuration, these sensors will be optimized for long-range aerial detection, delivering real-time tracking and early warning capabilities. The drone’s significant internal payload capacity, up to 800 kg, and its wide range of data link options also offer considerable modularity for integrating Saab’s systems.
This solution is intended to complement Saab’s existing portfolio, which includes manned AEW&C aircraft such as the GlobalEye. With its modular and unmanned design, the system can be operated independently or in conjunction with manned platforms, aligning with the increasing trend toward manned-unmanned teaming in modern air forces. The MQ-9B, operated from a ground control station (GCS) capable of managing multiple drones simultaneously, is designed to maintain radar coverage while reducing personnel exposure in contested environments.
According to Carl-Johan Bergholm, head of Saab’s Surveillance business unit, this collaboration enables the transfer of proven detection and tracking capabilities to a drone platform already deployed by several military users. The joint effort aims to create a system positioned between traditional ISR drones and manned AEW aircraft, offering operational advantages such as cost efficiency, extended endurance, and the ability to operate from constrained environments, including naval platforms.
This initiative is part of a broader diversification of AEW formats, particularly relevant in a strategic environment that demands flexible and responsive radar coverage. The solution could provide armed forces with a wider range of tactical options, including naval deployment and aerial saturation without direct personnel exposure. Saab brings decades of experience in delivering AEW systems to NATO and other trusted partners, while adapting its offerings to meet emerging requirements.
The collaboration between Saab and General Atomics paves the way for a new unmanned AEW solution that combines Saab’s radar technologies with the endurance, modularity, and operational reliability of the MQ-9 B. Designed to function independently or alongside manned systems, this capability could reshape the framework of aerial surveillance missions in the years ahead.
